Method and apparatus for splicing paper rolls

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for splicing webs of paper, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for splicing a leading end of a fresh paper roll, which is not yet unwound, with a running web of an expiring paper roll which is being successively unwound. The two paper rolls are supported by means of a mill stand which is capable of rotatably supporting a pair of paper rolls rotating in opposite direction.

United States Patent Tokuno July 22, 1975 [54] METHOD AND APPARATUS FORSPLICING 2,775,409 12/1956 Pomper 242/582 3,106,360 10/1963 14611161242/583 PAPER ROLLS [75] Inventor: Masateru Tokuno,Nishinomiya,

Japan Primary Examiner-J0hn W. Huckert Assistant Examiner-John M.Jillions .l' [73] Asslgnee Rengo Co Ltd Osaka dpan Attorney, Agent, orFirm-Stewart and Kolasch, Ltd. [22] Filed: Mar. 29, 1973 [21] App]. No.:345,849

[57] ABSTRACT [30] Foreign Application Priority Data 29 1972 J 47 86942The present invention relates to a method and appara- 1 apan 4 tus forsplicing webs of paper. and more particularly, Nov. 4,1972 Japan .1 7'11578 to a method n apparatus for p g a leading end of a fresh paper roll,which is not yet unwound, with a [52] $8.8] 242/5851h5i /95/(1)2 runningweb of an expiring paper to" which is being [51] 58 4 58 2 successivelyunwound. The two paper rolls are sup- [58] 3 6j 3 g 4/ ported by meansof a mill stand which is capable of l rotatably supporting a pair ofpaper rolls rotating in [56] References Cited opposte l 843 470 iI ZPATENTS 242/58 3 11 Claims, 28 Drawing Figures Z 419 L545 7! 7 11 Z12 RSM 4-29 1" l l l 1 a, 512/ 442 1 422 5X 1 1+ 5/22 f a J 42! 44! 521 oX24 {5 l o 2/7 W 2/5 l l 225 I 161 220 o o L o 270 162 I22 44 1? y- 0 12 x H in 2252 Z14 1/ iii i 224" Z/ P l P Z25 PATENTED JUL 2 2 I975 SHEETPATENTED JUL 2 2 1915 SHEET NM Rmm Q EN QM & 5 3

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FIG.27

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SPLICING PAPER ROLLS BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OFTHE INVENTION The present invention relates to a method and apparatusfor splicing a leading end of a fresh paper roll, which is not yetunwound, with a web running from an expiring paper roll which is beingcontinuously unwound, so that the smooth face of the leading end mayfollow the smooth face of the running web and the rough face of theleading end may follow the rough face i of the running web. Moreparticularly, the present ini v vention is directed to a method andapparatus for splicing webs of liner for corrugated boards.

,Conventionally, the splicing operation of webs of paper has beenperformed by the following operations.

A 'An expiring paper roll and a fresh paper roll are suspended from astand (as seen in a Langston type of mill stand of a machine formanufacturing corrugated boards), which is capable of rotatablysupporting a pair of paper rolls rotating in opposite directions. Ashort time before the expiring paper roll becomes depleted, theunwinding speed of the expiring paper roll is considerably reduced.Then, one operator rotates the fresh paper roll manually and anotheroperator draws out the leading end of the fresh paper roll. The leadingend is then spliced with the slowly running web from the expiring paperroll using a binding agent or an adhesive tape, so that the smootherface of the leading end may follow the smoother face of the running weband the rougher face of the leading end may follow the rougher face ofthe running web. The running web from the expiring roll is then cutaway. In order to perform this kind of web-splicing operation, a numberof the related processes must be reduced in speed to compensate for theslowdown in the roll rotation for effecting the transition from theexpiring roll to the fresh roll.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a methodand apparatus for splicing webs of paper wherein the leading end of afresh paper roll is spliced with the web running from an expiring paperroll so that the smoother face of the leading end follows the smootherface of the running web and the rougher face of the leading end followsthe rougher face of the running web, without reducing the speed of theweb running from the expiring paper roll. The web is supported by a millstand, and when the splicing is completed, the web running from theexpiring paper roll is immediately cut away.

Other objects and further scope of applicability of the presentinvention will become apparent from the detailed description givenhereinafter; it should be understood, however, that the detaileddescription and specific examples, while indicating preferredembodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only,since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope ofthe invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from thisdetailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will become morefully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and theaccompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, andthus are not limitative of the present invention and wherein,

FIG. 1 is a front view of an apparatus for splicing webs in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of an apparatus for splicing webs, takenalong a line X-X of FIG. 1 together with a mill stand and a predriverwhich is partially broken away;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a mill stand, two predrivers and a cutter;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of first and second web-pushing rolls, first andsecond intermediate rolls and means for causing these rolls to effect apendulum swinging motion;

FIGS. 5 and 6 show, respectively, a perspective and a partially enlargedsectional view of the paper roll which is employed in splicing the websby use of the intermediate rolls;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the paper roll which is employed insplicing the webs without using the intermediate rolls;

FIG. 8 is a diagram of a pneumatic circuit for splicing the webs inaccordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are, respectively, a diagram of the electrical circuitfor the apparatus for splicing the webs in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIGS. 11-22 show a sequence illustrating the web splicing operationconducted by the use of the intermediate rolls; and

FIGS. 23-28 show a sequence illustrating the web splicing operationconducted without the use of the intermediate rolls.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The method and apparatus of thepresent invention will be described with respect to the situation wherewebs of a liner for corrugated boards are spliced with each other sothat a smoother face of the fresh web follows a smoother face of arunning web and a rougher face of a fresh web follows a rougher face ofa running web. As shown in FIG. 11, a paper roll 61 for corrugated boardliner is suppported on the rear side of a mill stand 1 which is capableof supporting a pair of paper rolls rotating in opposite directions withrespect to each other. The roll 61 which has the rougher surface facingoutwardly (the rough surface of the web being indicated by the mark A inthe drawing) is rotated clockwise in FIG. 11 and the web from the roll61 is extended above the front side of the mill stand 1, between thefirst and second web pushing rolls 41, 42 and above the mill stand 1.The web from the roll 61 is guided and drawn out continuously by meansof a guiding roll 8 suspended above the mill stand. The mill stand 1 isshown in FIGS. 1-3. As is apparent from these drawings, the mill stand 1is erected on a base 11 with both ends of its l-shaped long core frame13 being secured to opposite side frames 12 and 12. A pair of arms 141and 141 are provided on the front side of the core frame 13 to enablesaid arms 141 and 141 to approach and separate from each other and tomove in the vertical direction. Similarly, a pair of arms 142 and 142are provided on the rear side of the core frame 13, said arms 142 and142 being adapted to approach and separate from each other and to movevertically. A plate 15 is secured on the top face of the core frame 13.A paper guiding roll 161 is rotatably installed at the end edge, on theside of the arms 141 and 141, at the top face of the plate, and a paperguiding roll 162 is rotatably installed at the end edge, at the side ofthe arms 142 and 142, at the top face thereof. A pair of arms 141 and141, and a pair of arms 142 and 142 rotatably support the respectivepaper rolls at the tip end portions thereof.

As shown in FIG. 11, a fresh paper roll 62 for corrugated board liner,which is to be spliced with the web from the paper roll 61, is rotatablysupported on the front side of the mill stand so that the roll 62 may beunwound in a clockwise rotation as shown in the drawing. The paper roll62 also has its rough surface facing in the outward direction. As shownin FIGS. 5 and 6, tapes 602 and 602 with an adhesive disposed on bothsides thereof are provided for temporary fastening to small areas, thatis, to both of the angled portions of the outer face of the leading end601 of the paper roll 62. The respective angled portions are in the formof a trapezoid produced by cutting both ears of the end'601,respectively, into a triangular shape. The end of each tape 602 isextended somewhat from the leading end 601. The leading end 601 is cutso that tear-off line 603 and 603 are provided at the periphery of theadhesive tape 602. Both ends of each tear-off line 603 approach veryclose to the edge 604 of the leading end 601. For splicing purposes,double faced adhesive tape 605 and 605 are applied to the inner face ofthe leading end 601. Single-face adhesive tape 606 whose top faces 6061are treated into non-binding faces, are applied to the surface 607 ofthe paper roll 62 which faces the unadhered faces 6051 and 6051 of thedouble-faced adhesive tape 605 whereby the separating faces are formed.The unadhered face 6051 of each doublefaced adhesive tape 605 applied onthe inner surface of the leading end 601 is superimposed on the top face6061 of the single-face adhesive tape 606. The respective ends of thedouble-faced adhesive tapes 602 and 602, which extend from the leadingend 601, are applied to the surface 608 of the paper roll 62. Eachsingle-face adhesive tape 606 is the same in area as the double-facedadhesive 605, or slightly greater than said tape 605. Also, therespective edges of the doublefaced adhesive tape 605 and thesingle-face adhesive tape 606 are approximately in alignment with theedge 604 of the leading end 601.

Under such a condition, when the paper roll 61 almost runs out, a firstintermediate roll 51 (hereinafter referred to intermediate roll 51)located above the paper roll 62 is lowered to a position immediatelynear the paper roll 62, as shown in FIG. 12. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and4, the intermediate roll 51 has a metallic surface and is rotatablyinstalled at the lower end of a pair of swing arms 511 and 511. Theupper ends of the pair of arms 511 and 511 are rotatably fixed to ashaft 412, which is located above the paper guiding roll 161 of the millstand and is rotatably installed on plates 71 and 71 which are suspendedfrom the frames 7 and 7 above the mill stand 1. A cylinder head 5121 ofan air cylinder 512 is rotatably provided in a portion, above the paperroll 62, of the each frame 7. A piston rod 5122 is rotatably coupled tothe swing arm 511. As described hereinbefore, in order to lower theintermediate roll 51, compressed air pressure is removed from the aircylinders 512 and 512 thereby causing the piston rod 5122 to be lowered,by its stroke length, because of the weight of the arms 511 and 511, andthe roll 51. Also, in order to prevent the intermediate roll fromhitting the paper roll 62 when traveling in its downward direction, thearms 141 and 141 of the mill stand 1 are lowered to lower the paper roll62. The paper roll 62 is raised, after the intermediate roll 51 hascompleted its descent, so that the roll 51 may be placed right near thepaper roll 62 as shown in FIG. 12.

As described hereinbefore, the intermediate roll 51 is lowered and thena first web-pushing roll 41 (hereinafter referred to as web-pushing roll41) placed above a paper guiding roll 162 of the mill stand 1 is loweredto press against the web 61 1 running from the web roll 61 and pull it,whereby the paper 611 is brought into contact with the intermediate roll51. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, the web-pushing roll 41 is providedwith an elastic rubber and is rotatably mounted at the lower end of apair of swing arms 411 and 411. The upper ends of the pair of swing arms411 and 411 are internally engaged with the swing arms 511 and 511 andare secured to the shaft 412. The swing arms 411 and 411 are oscillatedby the rotation of the shaft 412 thereby elevating the web-pushing roll41. The length from the center of the shaft 412 to the center of theweb-pushing roll 41 is almost equal to the length from the center of theshaft 412 to the center of the intermediate roll 51. The end of theshaft 412 projects from the outer face of the plate 71 and is connectedwith a motor 415 for elevating the'web-pushing roll through a speedchange gear 413 and a torque limiter 414. The shaft 412 is rotated bymeans of the motor 415. The speed change gear 413, the torque limiter414 and the motor 415 are installed on a frame 43 above the side frame12 of the mill stand 1. The torque limiter 414 is composed of a disc4141, a coil spring 4142, a friction plate 4143 and a chain gear 4144which forms a friction face on a face opposing the friction plate 4143.The plate 4143 is sequentially engaged with a input shaft 4131 of thespeed change gear 413; the disc 4141 is secured to the shaft 4131; thecoil spring 4142 is secured at one end, to the disc 4141 and at itsother end, to the friction plate 4143; the chain gear 4144 is rotatablyengaged with the shaft 4131 so that the gear 4144 will not move alongthe axial direction of the shaft 4131 and so the friction plate 4143will contact, under pressure, the friction plate of the chain gear 4144by the resilient restoring force of the coil spring 4142; and a chaingear 4145, which is axially aligned with the chain gear 4144, is securedto the shaft 4151 of the motor 415 so that the two chain gears may bemutually connected by entraining a mutually-connected two-row chain 4146on the two chain gears. When the shaft 412 is rotated by the driving ofthe motor 415, and a load of a given value is applied upon the shaft412, the chain gear 4144 and the friction plate 4143 slip therebysuspending the shaft 412, the arms 411 and 411, and the web-pushing roll41 if the operation of the motor 415 is continual.

As described hereinabove when the web 611 running from the roll 61contacts the intermediate roll 51, the web-pushing roll 41 is suspended.Thereafter, the paper roll 62 is rotated, in advance, in a clockwisedirection as shown in FIG. 13, namely, in the same direction as theweb-pushing roll 41, by means of the predriver 21 provided in the millstand 1, and synchronized to the unwinding speed of the paper roll 61.As shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, the predriver 21 is composed of a pulleysupporting member 211 which is rotatably installed in and suspendedfrom, the underface of the plate placed above the mill stand in theapproximate central portion on the front side of the mill stand 1.Pulleys 212 and 213 are rotatably provided in the respective upperportion and lower portion of the pulley supporting member 211. Anendless belt 214 is mounted on these pulleys. An air cylinder 215 havinga cylinder head 2151 rotatably mounted in the lower end of the centralportion of the core frame 13 of the mill stand also has a piston rod2152 rotatably connected with the upper end of the pulley supportingmember 211. A motor 216 is provided on the side frame of the mill stand.A belt transmission gear 217 transmitting energy from the motor 216 tothe input shaft of the speed change gear 218 provided on the end portionof the plate 15. A chain transmission gear 2191 transmits energyfrom theoutput shaft of the speed change gear 218 to an intermediate shaft 220rotatably provided on the underface of the plate 15. Also a chaintransmission gear 2192 transmits energy from the intermediate shaft 220to the pulley 212 on the top side thereof. The projection of the pistonrod 2152 from the air cylinder 215 pivots the pulley supporting member211 causing the endless belt 214 to be held away from the paper roll 62which is supported by the arms 141 and 141 of the mill stand, while theretraction of the piston rod 2152 pivots the pulley supporting member211 in the reverse direction causing the endless belt 214 to contact thepaper roll 62. When the motor 216 is rotated, the power is transmittedthereby rotating the endless belt 214. Therefore, the paper roll 62 maybe rotated by the rotation of the endless belt 214.

As described hereinabove, the paper roll 62 is rotated by means of thepredriver 21. The motor 415 for elevating the web-pushing roll isrotated immediately after the leading end 601 of the paper roll 62 haspassed before the intermediate roll 51. Thus, the webpushing roll 41 isfurther lowered to push the intermediate roll 51 into contact with thepaper roll 62, as shown in FIG. 14.

When the intermediate roll 51 is brought into contact with the rotatingroll 62, the unadhered faces 6021 and 6021 of the double-faced adhesivetape 602 and 602 which are applied upon the outer face of the leadingend 601 of the fresh roll 62, are applied upon the surface of theintermediate roll 51 and the leading end 601 is wound on the roll 51 inreverse. The unadhered faces 6051 and 6051 of the double-faced adhesivetape 605 and 605 on the inner face of the leading end 601 are appliedupon the web 611 running from the expiring paper roll 61. The leadingend 601 of the paper roll 62 is spliced with the web 611 from the paperroll 61 so that a smoother face of the leading end 601 may follow asmoother face of the running web 611 and a rougher face of the leadingend 601 may follow a rougher face of the running web 611. Thus, theleading end 601 is drawn out together with the web 611. When the leadingend 601 is drawn out with the web 611, the doublefaced adhesive tape 602and 602 on the intermediate roll 51 are separated from said roll 51,that is, when the double-faced adhesive tape 602 and 602 are tightlybound on the roll 51, the uncut portions between the ends of thetear-off line 604 and the edge 604 of the leading end 601 is broken andthe broken pieces of the leading 601 are left behind on the surface ofthe roll 51.

Thus, after the leading end 601 of the paper roll 62 is spliced with theweb running from the expiring paper roll 61, the web 611 from the roll61 is cut away by means of a cutter 3 as shown in FIG. 15. As shown inFIGS. 1 through 3, the cutter which is provided on the top face of theplate 15 of the mill stand 1 is composed of a knife 31 whose edge 311 isextended along the longitudinal direction of the plate 15 and is formedinto a triangle-connected shape. The knife is provided with transversearms 32 and 32, which are disposed in approximately vertical directionswith respect to the axial line of the knife. The erected knife 31 issecured at its tip end to said arms 32. A shaft 33 is rotatably mountedon the top face of the plate 15 of the mill stand 1, almost parallelwith the knife, with the rear end of the transverse arms 32 and 32 beingsecured thereto. Longitudinal arms 34 and 34 are secured to both ends ofthe shaft 33, and air cylinders 35 and 35 which contain piston rods 351and 351 are rotatably connected to the upper end of the longitudinalarms 34 and 34 and are rotatably provided with the cylinder heads 352and 352 on the top face of the plate 15. The projection of the pistonrods 351 and 351 from the air cylinders 35 and 35 rotates thelongitudinal arms and the transverse arms around the shaft 33 therebyraising the knife 31. Accordingly, the web which is being continuouslydrawn out from the paper roll and conveyed above the plate 15 is cutaway. When the piston rods 351 and 351 are retracted, the knife islowered.

The web splicing operation is completed by cutting the web 611 runningfrom the paper roll 61 by use of the cutter 3. As shown in FIG. 16, themotor 415 for vertically lifting the web-pushing roll is rotated in thereverse direction to raise the web-pushing roll 41 to the originalposition. After lowering the paper roll 62 somewhat by properly loweringthe arms 141 and 141 of the mill stand 1, after the paper roll 62 isreduced in size, the piston rods 5122 and 5122 of the air cylinders 512and 512 for vertically moving the intermediate roll are retractedthereby raising the intermediate roll 51, whereby preparation is madefor the next operation. The roll paper 62 is extended from between thewebpushing roll 41 and a second web-pushing roll 42 and above theintermediate roll 51. Then, the web from the roll 62 is guided by meansof the guiding roll 8 suspended from the frames 7 and 7 located abovethe mill stand 1 and is successively drawn out and conveyed to the nextprocess.

Subsequently, the paper roll 62 which is successively unwound is reducedinto a small roll. The operation for splicing a smooth faced outsidepaper roll 63 is reversed to that discussed above. The smooth face ofthe web. is faced outwardly on the roll and is indicated by the mark Ain the drawing. The rough base of the web is, of course, faced inwardly.The corrugated board liner is supported on the back side of the millstand 1 so that the web of the fresh paper roll 63 may be drawn outthrough a rotation in the counterclockwise direction, as shown in FIG.17.

The structure of the leading end of the fresh paper roll 63 is formed,in advance and has the same structure as the leading end of the paperroll 62 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

Now, a second intermediate roll 52 (hereinafter referred to asintermediate roll 52) disposed above the paper roll 63 is lowered into aposition near the paper roll 63 as shown in FIG. 18. The intermediateroll 52 has a metallic surface roll which is rotatably installed at thelower end of a pair of swing arms 521 and 521 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4.The upper ends of said pair of swing arms 521 and 521 are rotatablymounted on the shaft 422. The shaft 422 which is located above the paperguiding roll 162 of the mill stand is almost parallel with the shaft412, and is rotatably installed on plates 71 and 71 suspended from theframes 7 and 7 above the mill stand. The cylinder head 5221 of an aircylinder 522 is rotatably provided in a portion of the frame 7 above thepaper roll 63 and the piston rod 5222 of the aircylinder is rotatablyconnected with the swing arm 521. In order to lower the intermediateroll 52, the compressed air is removed from the air cylinders 522 and522. Due to the weight of the arms 521 and 521, and the roll 51, theroll 52 is lowered by the length of the stroke of the piston rod 5222.The arms 142 and 142 of the mill stand 1 are lowered so that theintermediate roll 52 does not hit the paper roll 63 in its downwarddirection, and the paper roll 63 is raised after the intermediate roll52 has completed its descent, whereby the intermediate roll 52 islocated near the paper roll 63.

After the intermediate roll 52 has been lowered, a second web-pushingroll 42 (hereinafter referred to as web-pushing roll 42) located abovethe paper guiding roll 161 of the mill stand 1, as shown in FIG. 19, islowered. Accordingly, the roll 42, is pressed against the web 621running from the paper roll 62 and the web 621 is pulled and broughtinto contact with the intermediate roll 52. The web-pushing roll 42 hasan elastic rubber surface and is rotatably installed at the lower end ofa pair of swing arms 421 and 421 as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4. The upperends of the pair of swing arms 421 and 421 are internally engaged withthe swing arms 521 and 521 and are secured to the shaft 422. The swingarms 421 and 421 are oscillated by the rotation of the shaft 422 and theweb-pushing roll 42 is elevated. The length from the center of the shaft422 to the center of the web-pushing roll 42 is almost equal to thelength from the center of the shaft 422 to the center of theintermediate roll 52. Also, the swing arms 421 and 421 are internallyengaged with the swing arms 411 and 411 on which the web-pushing roll 41is mounted. .The end of the shaft 422 projects from the outer face ofthe plate 71 and is connected with a motor 425 for vertically moving thepaper pushing roll through a speed change gear 423 and a torque limiter424. The shaft 422 is rotated by means of the motor 425. The torquelimiter 424 is the same, in construction, as the torque limiter 414. Thetorque limiter is composed of a disc 4241, a coil spring 4242, afriction plate 4243 and a chain gear 4244 which are engaged, with theinput shaft 4231 of the speed change gear 423, a chain gear 4245 engagedwith the shaft 4251 of the motor 425, and a chain 4246 connecting thechain gear 4244 with the chain gear 4245. The speed change gear 423, thetorque limiter 424 and the motor 425 are also disposed on the frame 43.1 I

As described hereinbefore, when the web 621 draw- I ing out from thepaper roll 62 is brought into contact with the intermediate roll 52, theweb-pushing roll 42 is suspended. Thereafter, the paper roll 63 is, inad- 8: vance, rotated in a counter-clockwise in FIG. 19, namely, in-thesame direction as the web-pushing roll 42 by means of a predriver. 22'provided in the mill stand 1 and is synchronize to the. unwinding speedof the paper roll 62. The predriver 22 is the same, in construction, ,asthe predriver 21. The predriver is composed of a pulleysupporting'member 221 rotatably provided and suspended from theunderface of the plate 15 on the mill stand in an approximate centralportion on the rear side of the mill-stand 1, pulleys 222 and 223rotatably provided on a pulley supporting member 221, an endless belt224 entrained on these pulleys, an air cylinder 225 having a cylinderhead 2251 rotatably provided in the lower end of the central portion ofcore frame 13 of the mill stand, while having r' The paper roll 63 isrotated by means of the predriver 22, and the motor 425 for elevatingthe paper pushing roll is rotated right after the leading end of thepaper roll 63 has passed before the intermediate roll 52. As shown inFIG. 20, the web-pushing roll 42 is further lowered thereby pushing theintermediate roll 52 into contact with the paper roll 63. By the contactmade between the intermediate roll 52 and the rotating paper roll 63,the unadhered faces 6021 and 6021 of the double face adhesive tapes 602and 602 applied upon the outer face of the end 601 of the paper roll 63are applied to the surface of the intermediate roll 52. Accordingly, theleading end 601 is wound on the intermediate I roll 52 and reversed. Theunadhered faces 6051 and 6051 of the double-face adhesive tapes 605 and605 on the inner face of the leading end 601 of the roll 63 are appliedto the web 621 running from the paper roll 62. The leading end 601 ofthe paper roll 63 is spliced with the web 621 running from the expiringpaper roll 62 so that a smoother face of the leading end 601 may followa smoother face of the running web 621 and rougher face of the leadingend 601 may follow a rougher face of the running web 621. Thus, theleading end 601 of the fresh paper roll 63 is spliced with the runningweb 621. As shown in FIG. 21, the running web 621 from the paper roll 62is cut away by means of the cutter 3, thus completing the web splicingoperation. Then, as shown in FIG. 22, the motor 425 for verticallymoving the web-pushing roll is reversed thereby elevating theweb-pushing roll 42 to its original position, while the arms 142 and 142of the mill stand 1 are properly low-' ered thereby to somewhat lowerthe paper roll 63. Alternately after the paper roll has been reduced involume, the piston rods 5222 and 5222 of the air cylinders 522 and 522for raising the intermediate rolls are retracted thereby raising theintermediate roll 52, and

9 stand 1, the intermediate roll 51 is held suspended for the followingoperation:

As shown in FIG. 7 double-face adhesive tapes 902 are applied upon theouter face of the leading end 901 of the paper roll 91, whiledouble-face adhesive tapes 903-much smaller than the double-faceadhesive tapes 902 are applied across the leading end 901 and the outerface 904 of the paper roll 91. Thus the leading end 901 is temporarilyfixed to the outer face 904 of the paper roll 91. The paper roll 91 issupported by the arms 141 and 141 on the front side of the mill stand 1as shown in FIG. 23 and is arranged to be unwound by rotating the paperroll 91 counter-clockwise in the drawing. As shown in FIG. 24, the arms141 and 141 of the mill stand are, in advance, elevated and the paperroll 91 is disposed within a track of the webpus hing roll,41. Theweb-pushing roll 41 is pressed against the, web 611 running from thepaper roll 61. The web-pushing roll 41 is lowered right near the freshpaper roll 91, pullingthe web 611 and is suspended. Then, the paper roll91 is rotated counter-clockwise by means of the predriver 21,synchronized to the unwindingispeed of the paper roll 61. Theweb-pushing roll 41 is ldwe'red again right after the leading end 901 ofthe aisei; roll 91 has passed before the web-pushing roll 41, and theweb611 running from the paper roll 61 is bro'u ghtjinto contact with thepaper roll 91 as shown in the solid line of FIG. 24. And the unadheredface of the respective double-face adhesive tapes 903 (which are used totemporarily fix) applied to the outer face of the leading end901 of thepaper roll 91, and the unadhered face, of the respective double-faceadhesive tapes 902 (for splicing) are applied to the paper 611 runningfrom the paper roll 61.

Thus,-the leading end 901 of the paper roll 91 is spliced with the web611 from the paper roll 61 so that a smoother face of the leading end901 may follow a smoother face of the running web 611 and a rougher faceof the leading end 901 may follow a rougher face of the running web 611.After the leading end 901 of the paper roll 91 is spliced with the web611 from the expiring paper roll 61, the web 611 running from the paperroll 61 is cut away by means of a cutter 3 as shown in FIG. 25, wherebythe web splicing operation is completed. Thereafter, the web-pushingroll 41 is elevated to its original position to prepare for the nextoperation.

Also, the splicing operation of a leading end of a rougher face-outsidepaper roll 92 with the web 911 from the paper roll 91 which is supportedby the arms 141 and 141 of the mill stand 1 and which is beingsuccessively unwound is performed as follows with the intermediate roll52 being maintained in a suspended state.

The paper roll 92 is also the same in the structure of its leading endas that of the paper roll 91, as shown as FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 26,the paper roll 92 is supported by the arms 142 and 142 of the mill stand1 and is arranged to be unwound by a rotation, as shown in the drawings.Then, as shown in FIG. 27, the paper pushing roll 42 is pressedagainstthe web 911 running from the paper roll 91, and is lowered near thefresh paper roll 92, pulling the web 911 with it. Then the roll 42 isstopped. The paper roll 92 is synchronized to the unwinding speed of thepaper roll 91 and rotated clockwise (in the drawing) by means of thepredriver 22. Right after the leading end 901 of the paper roll 92 haspast before the web pushing roll 42, the web-pushing roll 42 is loweredagain. The web 911 which is unwound from the paper roll 91 is broughtinto contact with the paper roll 92 as shown in FIG. 27.

The leading end of the roll 92 is then spliced with the web 91 1 fromthe roll 91 so that a smoother face of the leading end may follow asmoother face of the web 911 and a rougher face of the leading end mayfollow a rougher face of the web 911. Thereafter, the running web 911from the roll 91 is cut away by means of the cutter 3 as shown in FIG.28, thus completing the splicing operation. Then, the web-pushing roll42 is elevated to the original position to prepare for the nextoperation.

The pneumatic circuit for air cylinders 512, 512 and 522, 522 forvertically moving the intermediate rolls 51 and 52 in the web splicingapparatus, for air cylinders 215 and 225 for moving the predrivers 21and 22, and for air cylinders 35 and 35 for moving the cutter 3 areshown in FIG. 8.

Referring now to FIG. 8, VIL and VIR are respectively a 3-port,Z-position solenoid operated valve, V2L, V2R and V3 being respectively,4-port 2-position solenoid operated valves. The feed air port of valvesVIL, VIR and V3 are connected, by means of piping, with a propercompressed air source 101 through a filter 104, with a flow rateregulating valve 103 with a pressure gauge, and with a lubricator 102.Also, solenoid operated valves VZL and V2R are connected, by means ofpiping, with the filter 104 through a flow rate regulating valve 109. Acylinder side port of the valves VIL and VIR is connected, by means ofpiping, with a port on the rod cover side of the air cylinders 512, 512and 522, 522, which vertically move the intermediate roll through speedcontrollers 105L, 105L and 105R, 105R. A port on the head cover side ofthe air cylinders 512, 512 and 522, 522 communicates with the atmospherethrough speed controllers 106L, 106L and 106R, 106R. Under the conditionas shown in FIG. 8, a solenoid SOIL of the valve VIL and a solenoid ofthe valve VIR are both demagnetized, and the piston rods 5122, 5122 and522, 522 of the air cylinders 512, 512 and 522, 522 are lowered byselfweight. Accordingly, the intermediate rolls 51 and 52 are alsolowered. Excitation of the respective solenoids SOIL and SOIR raisespiston rods 5122, 5122 and 5222, 5222 thereby retracting them into therespective cylinder tube. Two cylinder side ports of the valve V2L areconnected, by means of piping, with the air cylinder 215 of thepredriver 21 through speed controller 107L and 1081,, while two cylinderside ports of the valve V2R are connected, by means of piping, with theair cylinder 225 of the predriver 22 through speed controllers 107R and108R. Under the condition as shown in FIG. 8, the sole noid SO2L of thevalve V2L and the solenoid SOZR of the valve V2R are both demagnetized.The piston rods 2152 and 2252 of the air cylinders 215 and 225 projectfrom the cylinder tube and accordingly the pulley supporting members 211and 221 of the predriver are lowered. Accordingly, the pulley supportingmembers 211 and 211 of the predriver are lowered. Excitation of thesolenoids SO2L and SO2R changes the air flow and thus the piston rods2152 and 2252 are retracted into the cylinder tube thereby causing thepulley supporting members 211 and 221 of the predriver to be retracted.Two cylinder side ports of a valve V3 are connected, by means of piping,with the ports of the air cylinders 35 and 35 of the cutter 3. Under thecondition as shown in FIG. 8, the solenoid SO3X of the valve V3 isdemagnetized and the piston rod 351 of each air cylinder 35 is retractedinto the cylinder tube. Thus, the knife 31 of the cutter 3 is lowered.Excitation of the solenoid SO3X of the valve. V3 projects each pistonrod 351 thereby raising the knife 31. The electric circuits for the websplicing apparatus are shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. Referring now to FIGS. 9and 10, parts shown with a mark containing a letter L are used incontrolling motors 415 and 216, and solenoid operated valves VIL, V2Land V3, the motors 415 and 216 being operated in splicing a web runningfrom an expiring paper roll, which is supported by means of arms 142 and142 of the mill stand, with a leading end of a fresh paper roll, whichis supported by means of the arms 141 and 141 of the mill stand. Also,parts designated by a mark containing a letter R are used in controllingthe motors 425 and 226, and solenoid operated valves VIR, V2R and V3,the motors 425 and 226 being operated in splicing a web running from anexpiring paper roll, which is supported by means of arms 141 and 141 ofthe mill stand, with a leading end of a fresh paper roll, which issupported by means of arms 142 and 142 of the mill stand. Partsdesignated by a mark containing a letter X are operated in any splicingoperation described hereinabove.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, PBIL and PBIR are respectively amanually-operated switch for rotating the motors 415 and 425 in adirection for elevating the web-pushing rolls 41 and 42. PB2L and PB2Rare respectively a manually-operated switch for rotating the motors 415and 425 in a direction for lowering the web pushing rolls 41 and 42.PB3L and PB3R are respectively, a switch for resetting, PB4L and PB4Rbeing, respectively, a switch for providing an emergency stop; PBSL andPBSR are, respectively, a switch for predriver operation, PB6L and PB6Rbeing, respectively, a switch for splice start. The switches PBIL, PB2L,PB3L, PB4L, PBSL, PB6L and PBIR, PB2R, PB3R, PB4R, PBSR, PB6R are,respectively, a push button switch of the momentary type, and arenormally opened. They are closed only when the knob of the respectiveswitches is in a depressed state.

SW is a switch for apparatus locking. SWIL and SWIR are, respectively, aswitch for an automatic operation to a manual operation transfer, SW3Land SW3R being switches for intermediate roll operation. The switchesSW, SWIL, SWIR, SW3L and SW3R are, respectively, switches of the rotarytype, and the contacts can be kept open or closed by properly rotatingthe switch handle to a suspend position. SW2L and SW2R are,respectively, switches for changing over a splice preparation of aweb-pushing roll to a gradual raising operation and are normally open.They are, respectively, switches of the momentary type which are closedonly while the switch handle is rotated.

LSI, LS2, LS3, LS4A, LS4B, R848, and RSI, RS2, RS3, RS4A, RS4B are limitswitches. The limit switches LS] and RS1 are secured to support rods 151and 152 which are bridged in and secured to the side frames 12 and 12 ofthe mill stand 1 as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3. The limit switch LS1 ispushed and opened by means of a pulley support member 211 of thepredriver 21 which is located at its descent limit, and is closed whenthe pulley support member 211 is raised from the descent limit. Thelimit switch RSI is pushed and opened by means of a pulley supportmember 221 of the predriver 22 which is located at its descent limit,and is closed when the pulley support member 221 is raised from thedescent limit. The limit switches LS2, LS3, LS4A, LS4B and RS2, RS3,RS4A, RS4B are suspended from the underface of the plate 712 which issecured to a support rod 711 bridged in plates 71 and 71 above the millstand 1 as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4. The limit switches LS2, LS3, LS4Aand LS4B look toward the shaft 412, while the limit switches RS2, RS3,RS4A and R848 look toward the shaft 422. Rings 416, 417, 418 and 419with projections are fixedly engaged with the shaft 412, while springs426, 427, 428 and 429 with projections are fixedly engaged with theshaft 422. The limit switches LS2 and RS2 are pushed and opened by theprojections 4161 and 4261 of the rings 416 and 426 when the web-pushingrolls 41 and 42 are located at its limit and closed when the webpushingrolls 41 and 42 are lowered from the top limit. The limit switches LS3and RS3 are pushed and opened by the projections 4171 and 4271 of therings 417 and 427 when the web-pushing rolls 41 and 42 are located attheir bottom limit, and are closed when the web pushing rolls 41 and 42are raised from their bottom limit. In the splicing operation withoutthe intermediate rolls 51 and 52, the limit switches LS4A and RS4A arepushed and opened by the projections 4181 anad 4281 of the rings 418 and428 when the web-pushing rolls 41 and 42 are located in a position forthe splice preparation, namely, when the web-pushing rolls 41 and 42 arelocated in a position close to a fresh paper roll as shown in FIGS. 24and 27. But the limit switches LS4A and RS4A are closed when theweb-pushing rolls 41 and 42 are removed from the splice preparingposition. In the splicing operation, using the intermediate rolls 51 and52, the limit switches LS4B and RS4B are pushed and opened by theprojections 4191 and 4291 of the rings 419 and 429 when the web-pushingrolls 41 and 42 are placed in another splice-preparing position, that iswhen the paper pushing rolls 41 and 42 are located in a position whichpermits a drawing-out web roll to contact an intermediate roll which islocated immediately close to a fresh paper roll as shown in FIGS. 13 and19. However, the limit switches LS4B and RS4B are closed when theweb-pushing rolls 41 and 42 are removed from the other splice preparingposition.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, NFBI and NFB2 are no-fuse breakers. Thebreakers NFBI and NFB2 are respectively used for protection of a maincircuit and a control circuit. ESL, L0, L1, L2, L3, L4A, L4B, PL, CLl,CL2, CL3, CL4, CLS, MLA, MLB, TGL (see FIG. 10) and ESR, R0, R1, R2, R3,R4A, R4B, PR, CR1, CR2, CR3, CR4, CR5, MRA, MRB, TGR (see FIG. 9) arerelay coils. ESLI and ESL2 (see FIG. 10) are, respectively normallyclosed contact points for the relay ESL, while the ESRl and ESR2 (seeFIG. 9) are respectively, closed contact points for the relay ESR. L01(FIG. 9) and L02 (FIG. 10) are, respectively, a normally closed contactpoint and a normally opened contact point for a locking relay L0. R01(FIG. 10) and R02 (FIG. 9) are respectively a normally closed contactpoint and a normally opened contact point for a locking relay R0.Hereinafter, the normally opened contact point is referred to as an Acontact point, while the normally closed contact point is referred to asB contact point. L11 is an A contact point for the relay L1, while L21,L22, L23, and L24 are respectively an A contact point for the relay L2.L31 and L32 are respectively an A contact point for the relay L3. L3A1and L4B1 are respectively an A contact point for the relay L4A and therelay L4B (see FIG. 10). R11 is an A contact point for the relay R1;R21, R22, R23 and R24 are respectively an A contact point for the relayR2; R31 and R32 are respectively, an A contact point for the relay R3;R4A1 is an A Contact point for the relay R4A; and R4B1 is an A contactpoint for the relay R4B (see FIG. 9). PLl and PLI are respectively an Acontact point for the relay PL; PL2 and PL2 are respectively, a Bcontact point for the relay PL (see FIG. 10). PR1 and PR1 arerespectively an A contact point for the relay PR, while PR2 and PR2 arerespectively a B contact point for the relay PR.

CLll, CL12 and CL13 are respectively an A contact point for the relayCL1, CL21 and CL22 are an A contact point for the relay CL2, CL31 andCL32 are an A contact point for the relay CL3, CL41 is an A contactpoint for the relay CL4, CL51 and CL52 are respectively, an A contactpoint for the relay CLS; CL42 is a B contact point for the relay CL4(see FIG. 10). CR11, CR12 and CR13 are, respectively, an A contact pointfor the relay CR1, CR21 and CR22 are I an A contact point for the relayCR2, CR31 and CR32 are respectively, an A contact point for the relayCR3, C41 is an A contact point for the relay CR4, CR51 and CR52 arerespectively, an A contact point for the relay CR; and CR42 is a Bcontact point for the relay CR4 (FIG. 9). TGL1 and TGL2 are,respectively, an A contact point for the relay TGL (see FIGS. 9 and andTGRl and TGR2 are respectively, an A contact point for the relay TGR(FIG. 9). MLA1 is a B contact point for the relay MLA, MLA2 and MLA3being respectively an A contact point for the relay MLA (FIGS. 9 and10). MRAl is a B contact point for the relay MRA, and MRA2 and MRA3 arerespectively, an A contact point for the relay MRA (see FIG. 9). Also,MLBl is a B contact point for the relay MLB, MLB2 and MLB3 arerespectively, an A contact point for the relay MLB (see FIGS. 9 and 10).MRBI is a B contact point for the relay MRB, and MRB2 and MRB3 arerespectively, an A contact point for the relay MRB (FIG. 9). MLA4, MLB4and MRA4, MRB4 are, respectively, a B contact of the respective thermalrelay for the relays MLA, MLB and MRA, MRB, forming a protectionapparatus for overload. Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, MUL, MDL andMUR, MDR are, respectively, an operating coil of a magnetic connector.MULl and MDLl (see FIG. 9) are respectively an A contact point for themagnetic connectors MUL and MDL, and MURl and MDRl (FIG. 9) arerespectively an A contact point for the magnetic connectors MUR and MDR,any of said connectors being a contact point for main circuit operation.MUL2 and MDL2 (see FIG. 10) are respectively auxiliary B contact pointsfor the connectors MUL and MDL, while MUR2 and MDR2 (see FIG. 9) are,respectively, an auxiliary B contact points for the connectors MUR andMDR. MUL3, MDL3 and MUR3, MDR3 are B contact points of the respectivethermal relays for the connectors MUL, MDL and MUR, MDR.TL1, TL2, TL3,TIA, TL5 (see FIG. 10) and TRl, TR2, TR3, TR4, TR5 (see FIG. 9) arerespectively a coil of a timer relay. TL11 is a time limit A contactpoint (a contact point which is closed, after the elapse of a set time,after the current has flowed to a relay coil) for the relay TLl, TL21 isa time limit A contact point for the relay TL2, and TL51 is a time limitA contact point for the relay TRS (see FIG. 10). TR11 is a time limit Acontact point for the relay TRl, TR21 is a time limit A contact pointfor the relay TR2, and TRSl is a time limit A contact point for therelay TRS (see FIG. 9). TL31 is a time limit B contact point (a contactpoint which is opened, after the elapse of a set time, after current hasflowed to the relay coil) for the relay TL3, TL41 is a time limit Bcontact point for the relay TL4, TR3'1 is a time limit B contact pointfor the relay TR3, and TR41 is a time limit B contact point for therelay TR4 (see FIG. 9). TL32 is an instantaneous A contact point (acontact point which is opened immediately after current has flowed tothe relay coil) for the relay TL3, TL52 is an instantaneous A contactpoint for the relay TLS (see FIG. 10), TR32 is an instantaneous Acontact point for the relay TR3, TR52 is an instantaneous A contactpoint for the relay TR3, and TR52 is an instantaneous A contact pointfor the relay TRS. The usage of the respective timer relay will bedescribed hereinafter. Relays TLl and TRl are used for a predriverrotation start timing, relays TL2 and TR2 for a cutter knife lifttiming, relays TL3 and TR3 for a cutter knife drop timing, relays TL4and TR4 and TR4 for a drop start timing of the pulleysupporting memberof the predriver, and relays TLS and TRS for a lift start timing of theweb pushing roll. SOIL, SO2L (FIG. 10) and SOlR, 802R (FIG. 9) and SO3X(FIG. 9) are, respectively, solenoid coils of a solenoid operated valveas shown in FIG. 8. Referring now to FIG. 9, AXl is a relay forresetting a counter (described later), and AX2 is a relay for startingthe paper roll cut. AX11 and AX12 are respectively, an A contact pointfor the relay AXl and a B contact point therefore. AX21, AX22 and AX23are, respectively, an

A contact for the relay AX2, and AX24 is a B contact point for the relayAX2. TX is a motor which is prov'ided in a suitable location of amachine for manufacturing corrugated boards for detecting the runningspeed of the web from the paper roll. LTG is a motor for detecting therotating speed of the motor 216 of the predriver 21, and RTG is a motorfor detecting the rotating speed of the motor 226 of the predriver 22.ZX is a ratio control board which receives the signals from the motorsTX, LTG and RTG thereby controlling the rotational speed of the motors216 and 226 of the predriver, whereby the leading end of a fresh paperroll which is to be spliced with the web running from the expiring paperroll is synchronized to the running speed of the web from the expiringpaper roll. CX is a digital counter which counts the drawing out amountof the paper roll after having spliced the web thereby determining thecutter operating time. CXl is an A contact point for the relay built-inin the counter CX, SX is a proximity switch, and PX is a power sourceportion of the proximity switch SX and an amplifier portion thereof. Theproximity switch SX is secured to a supporting rod 81 of the guidingroll 8 suspended from the frames 7 and 7 above the mill stand 1 as shownin FIG. 2. A count signal is transmitted to the digital counter CX everytime vanes 82, 82, and 82 which are secured in radial form to the end ofthe roll 8 and rotate with a roll 8 approach the proximity switch.

Subsequently, the function of the electric circuits will be brieflydescribed wherein the leading end of the paper roll 62 which issupported by means of the arms 141 and 141 of the mill stand 1 isspliced, by use of an intermediate roll 51, with the web from the paperroll 61 which is supported by means of the arms 142 and 142 of the millstand as shown in FIGS. 11 to 16.

A switch SW for apparatus locking is kept closed, and a contact pointIUL for the automatic operation of the switch SW11. for changing anautomatic operation to a manual operation is kept closed.

Under a steady state shown in FIG. 11, by means of the switch SW3L foroperating the intermediate roll, the contact point 3UL is opened and thecontact point 3DL is closed. Thus, the solenoid SOIL is excited.Accordingly, the piston rod 5122 of the air cylinder 512 for verticallymoving each intermediate roll is retracted into thecylinder tube, andthe intermediate roll 51 is located at its top'lirnit. Also, the webpushing roll 41 is also suspended at its top limit, and accordingly, thelimit switch LS2 is kept open, while the limit switches LS3,,LS4AandLS4B are kept closed. Furthermore, thepr edriver 2 1is'in itssuspended position, and the pulley supporting member 211 is located atits bottom limit; Accordingly, the limit switch LS1 is kept open andalso, the cutter 3 is suspended with its knife 31 being in its descendedposition. 7

From such a steady condition, the handle of the switch SW3L is thenrotated thereby to closing the contact point 3UL, and the contact point3DL is opened, The solenoid is then demagnetized and theintermediateroll 51 is lowered by its self-weight. Accordingly, theroll51 may be positioned close to the paper roll 62 as -.sliown'inFIG.12. Then, closure of the contact point 2UL for splice preparation of theswitch SW2L excites the magnetic contactor MDL thereby closing thecontact point MDLl in the main circuit. Thus, the motor 415 is rotatedand the paper pushing roll 41 is lowered. The limit switch LS2 is closedby lowering of the web-pushing roll 41. The contact of the running web611 with the intermediate roll 51, as shown in FIG. 13, by lowering theweb pushing roll 41 to a position of the splice preparation, opens thelimit switch LS4B thereby to demagnetizing the relay L4B and themagnetic contractor MDL. Thus, the motor 415 is stopped therebysuspending the descent of the web-pushing roll 41. Subsequently, thesolenoid SO2L is excited by pushing the switch PBSL for the predriveroperation, and the piston rod 2152 of the air cylinder 215 of thepredriver 21 is retracted into the cylinder tube thereby raising thepulley supporting member 211. The limit switch LS1, which has been keptopen, is closed by the ascent of the pulley supporting member 211. Also,the relays MLB and TGL are excited by pushing the switch PBSL, and thecontact points MLB2, MLB3 and TGLl, TGL2 are closed. Accordingly, themotor 216 is rotated and thus the endless belt 214 of the predriver 21is rotated so that the paper roll 62 may be rotated clockwise, as shownin FIG. 13, while synchronizing to the unwinding speed of the paper roll61. Subsequently, the magnetic contactor MDL is excited again, bypushing a switch PB6L for splice starting, thereby to rotating the motor415. Thus, the web-pushing roll 41 is lowered, while pushing the runningweb 611 and the intermediate roll 51 thereby causing the intermediateroll 51 to contact the paper roll 62 as shown in FIG. 14. Also, thepushing of the switch PB6L excites timer relays TL2 and TL therebyclosing a time limit A contact point TL21 of the timer relay TL2. Thus,as the relay AX] is excited, the contact point AXll of the relay AXl isclosed thereby causing the proximity switch SX to connect with thedigital counterCX. Every time the vanes 82 of the end of the guiding webis'runnin'g, which-is being rotated as the roll approaches the proximity:switchSX, the proximity switch SX transmits a countsignal to thecounter CX. The signals are counted in the; counter CX. When they havereached a set count, the A contact point CXl for the built in relay isclosed. The time required for the signals to reach the set count issufficient to complete the web 611 from the splicing operation of thepaper roll 61 with the leading end of the paper roll 62.- The closure ofthe relay contact point CXl after the webs have been spliced with eachother excites the relay AX2. Thus, the solenoid SO3X is excited therebyraising the knife 31 of the cutter 3 as shown in .FIG. 15, whereby theweb 611 running from the roll 61 is cut. After the web 611 has been cut,the time limit B contact point TL31 of the timer relay TL3 is opened anda solenoid SO3X is demagnetized thereby lowering the cutter knife 31.The time limit A contact point TL51 of the timer relay TL5 is closedthereby exciting the relay GL4. Accordingly, the magnetic contact or MDLis demagnetized and simultaneously the magnetic contactor MUL isexcited. The motor 415 is rotated reversely therebyraising theweb-pushing roll 41. When the roll 41 has reached its top limit, thelimit switch LS2 is opened thereby to demagnetizing the relay L2 and thecontactor MUL, whereby, the motor 415 is stopped. Also, after the webshave been spliced with each other, the time limit B contact point TL41of the timer relay TI .4 is opened thereby to demagnetizing the solenoidS02L and lowering the pulley supporting member 211 of the predriver 21lowered. When the pulley supporting member 211 has reached its descentlimit, the limit switch LS1 is opened, thereby demagnetizing the relaysL1, MLB and TGL, whereby the motor 216 is suspended. Thus, by properlyclosing the contact point 3DL of the switch SW3L for operating theintermediate roll, the intermediate roll 51 is raised, whereby 'thesteady condition returns.

As shown in FIGS. 17 to 22, the function of the electric circuits insplicing the leading end of the paper roll 63, which is supported bymeans of the arms 142 and 142 of the mill stand 1, with the web runningfrom the paper roll 62, which is supported by means of the arms 141 and141 of the mill stand 1, by the use of the intermediate roll 52, isalmost the same as the function of the electric circuit in splicing thepaper roll 62 with the paper roll 61 as described hereinabove. Thecontact point IUR for the automatic operation of the switch SW forapparatus locking, and of the switch SWIR for changing over from theautomatic operation to the manual operation is kept closed in advance.Thereafter, the closure of the contact point 3UR of the switch SW3R forthe intermediate roll operation and the opening of the contact point 3DRthereof, the closure of the contact point 2UR of the switch SW2R for thesplice operation, the closure of the switch PBSR for the predriveroperation and the closure of the switch PB6R for splice start areconducted in a consecutive order. In this case, the motor 226 of thepredriver 22 is rotated with contact points MRB2, MRB3 being closed,while the paper roll 63 is rotated counter-clockwise as shown.inFIG.19.'

As shown in FIGS. 23 to 28, in splicing the leading end of paper roll9l-,,which is supported by means of the arms 141 and 1410f the. millstand 1, with the web running of paper roll 61, which, is supported bymeans 17 of the arms 142 and 142 of the mill stand 1, without using theintermediate roll 51, or insplicing theJeading end of the paper roll 92,which is supported by means of thearms I42 and 142 of the mill stand 1,with the web running fronithe the paper roll 91, without using theintermediate roll 52,.the contact points IUL and IUR for the switch SW.,and ,switc hes SWIL and SWlR are kept closed in advance. Furthermorefthecontact points SDL, 3DR of the switches SW3 L,'S W3R for theintermediate roll operation are closed thereby exciting .thefsolenqidsSOIL and SOIR. The intermediate rolls 51 and 52 are kept suspended atthis ascent limit. Thereafter, a switch SWZL (SWZR), a switchPBSL (PBSR)and a switch PB6L (PB6R) may be operated in a consecutive order. In thiscase, the motor 216 (226) of the predriver 21 (22) is rotated by closureof contact points MLA2 and MLA3 (MRA2, MRAB), the paper roll 91 (92)being rotated counter-clockwise (clockwise).

In any splicing operation as shown in FIGS. 11 to 28, the intermediaterolls 51 and 52, the web-pushing rolls 41 and 42, the predrivers 21 and22, and the cutter 3 are restored to a steady state by pushing theswitches PB3L and PB3R for resetting. The motors 415 and 425, and themotors 216 and 226 are suspended by pushing the switches PB4L and PB4Rfor initiating an emergency stop. Thus, the solenoids SOZL and 802k aredemagnetized and thus the predrivers 21 and 22 are returned to a steadycondition. Also, when the webpushing rolls 41 and 42 have been descendedin the apparatus inspecting operation, etc., the web-pushing roll passesthe splice preparing position. When the webpushing roll has reached itsbottom limit, the limit switches LS3 and RS3 are opened therebysuspending the motors 415 and 425. Accordingly, the web-pushing roll issuspended. Furthermore, in the situation where the web-pushing rolls 41and 42 are located below their top limit, the limit switches LS2 and RS2are closed, and the web-pushing rolls 41 and 42 are not being lowered,the web-pushing rolls 41 and 42 may be raised little by little byclosing the contact points 2DL and 2DR of the switches SW2L and SW2R.

By properly closing switches PB1L, PBlR, PB2L, PBZR with contact pointsIDL and IDR for manual operation of the switches SWIL and SWIR forchanging over the automatic operation to the manual operation being keptclose, the web-pushing rolls 41 and 42 may be raised or loweredproperly.

The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same maybe varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as adeparture from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all suchmodifications are intended to be included within the scope of thefollowing claims.

What I claim is:

1. A continuous method of splicing the leading end of a fresh web rollwhich is releasably attached to said roll and which is not yet unwound,with a running web which is being continuously drawn from an expiringroll, without interrupting the continuous operation thereof, so that thesmooth face of the leading end of the fresh web roll corresponds to thesmooth face of the expiring roll and the rough face of the leading endof the fresh web roll corresponds to the rough face of the expiring rollwhich comprises pushing a rotatable webpushing roll against the webrunning from the expiring roll thereby moving said running web towardsthe fresh -18 web-roll which. is not yet unwound and causing saidrunning'web'ito .co'nt-act a rotatable intermediate roll which 'is'disposed nearsaid fresh roll, rotating the fresh web roll insynchronizationwith the unwinding speed of the expiring--roll, -causingthe -web-pushing roll to push the intermediate roll into contact withthe rotating fresh web roll, therunn'ing web of :the expiring roll beinggrasped betweenthe intermediate roll and the web-pushing r011,temporarily'fastening'the leading end of the fresh-web roll to thesurface'of the'intermediate roll, thereby drawing out the leading endfrorrit'he fresh web roll, and splicing the leading end of th'e'freshweb roll to the'rurining web of the expiring roll by causing saidleading end to attach to said running we'b.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of providing theexposed surface of the leading end of the fresh web roll with adouble-face adhesive tape for. temporarily fastening the leading end ofsaid fresh web roll to said roll and for temporarily fastening saidleading end to the surface of the intermediate roll.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising the steps of applying atleast one single-face adhesive tape to the surface of the paper rollbeneath said leading end thereof, the top face of said single-faceadhesive tape being the non-adhesive face, and further providing theunexposed surface of said leading end of the fresh web roll with atleast one double-face adhesive, said doubleface adhesive tape beingdisposed on said leading end in opposition to said non-adhesive face ofthe singleface adhesive tape.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the single-face adhesive tape isdimensionally larger than the double-face adhesive tape.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the non-adhesive face of thesingle-face adhesive tape is readily separable from the exposed surfaceof the double-face adhesive tape.

6. The method of claim 3, further comprising the step of attaching thedouble-face adhesive tape for temporarily fastening the leading end ofsaid fresh web roll to said roll, to serrated tear-away portions of saidleading end so that when the double-face adhesive tape provided on theunexposed surface of the fresh roll ad heres to the running web of theexpiring roll, said leading end of the fresh web roll is torn away atits serrated portions from attachment to the intermediate roll.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein after the leading end of the fresh webroll is spliced to the running web, the running web is cut.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein said method is used for splicingcorrugated board liner paper rolls.

9. An apparatus for splicing a leading end of a fresh web roll having asmooth and rough face, and which is releasably attached to said roll andis not yet unwound, with a running web which is being continuouslywithdrawn from an expiring roll having a smooth and rough face, withoutinterrupting the continuous operation thereof, so that the smooth faceof the leading end of the fresh web roll corresponds to the smooth faceof the expiring roll and the rough face of the leading end of the freshweb roll corresponds to the rough face of the expiring roll whichcomprises a mill stand adapted to rotatably support the fresh web rolland the expiring roll in mutually opposed positions, means for rotatingsaid fresh web roll and expiring roll, respectively, intermediate rollermeans suspended above said mill stand, and above said rolls, means forswinging said intermedi-

1. A continuous method of splicing the leading end of a fresh web rollwhich is releasably attached to said roll and which is not yet unwound,with a running web which is being continuously drawn from an expiringroll, without interrupting the continuous operation thereof, so that thesmooth face of the leading end of the fresh web roll corresponds to thesmooth face of the expiring roll and the rough face of the leading endof the fresh web roll corresponds to the rough face of the expiring rollwhich comprises pushing a rotatable web-pushing roll against the webrunning from the expiring roll thereby moving said running web towardsthe fresh web roll which is not yet unwound and causing said running webto contact a rotatable intermediate roll which is disposed near saidfresh roll, rotating the fresh web roll in synchronization with theunwinding speed of the expiring roll, causing the web-pushing roll topush the intermediate roll into contact with the rotating fresh webroll, the running web of the expiring roll being grasped between theintermediate roll and the web-pushing roll, temporarily fastening theleading end of the fresh web roll to the surface of the intermediateroll, thereby drawing out the leading end from the fresh web roll, andsplicing the leading end of the fresh web roll to the running web of theexpiring roll by causing said leading end to attach to said running web.2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of providing theexposed surface of the leading end of the fresh web roll with adouble-face adhesive tape for temporarily fastening the leading end ofsaid fresh web roll to said roll and for temporarily fastening saidleading end to the surface of the intermediate roll.
 3. The method ofclaim 2, further comprising the steps of applying at least onesingle-face adhesive tape to the surface of the paper roll beneath saidleading end thereof, the top face of said single-face adhesive tapebeing the non-adhesive face, and further providing the unexposed surfaceof said leading end of the fresh web roll with at least one double-faceadhesive, said double-face adhesive tape being disposed on said leadingend in opposition to said non-adhesive face of the single-face adhesivetape.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the single-face adhesive tape isdimensionally larger than the double-face adhesive tape.
 5. The methodof claim 4, wherein the non-adhesive face of the single-face adhesivetape is readily separable from the exposed surface of the double-faceadhesive tape.
 6. The method of claim 3, further comprising the step ofattaching the double-face adhesive tape for temporarily fastening theleading end of said fresh web roll to said roll, to serrated tear-awayportions of said leading end so that when the double-face adhesive tapeprovided on the unexposed surface of the fresh roll adheres to therunning web of the expiring roll, said leading end of the fresh web rollis torn away at its serrated portions from attachment to theintermediate roll.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein after the leadingend of the fresh web roll is spliced to the running web, the running webis cut.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein said method is used forsplicing corrugated board liner paper rolls.
 9. An apparatus forsplicing a leading end of a fresh web roll having a smooth and roughface, and which is releasably attached to said roll and is not yetunwound, with a running web which is being continuously withdrawn froman expiring roll having a smooth and rough face, without interruptingthe continuous operation thereof, so that the smooth face of the leadingend of the fresh web roll corresponds to the smooth face of the expiringroll and the rough face of the leading end of the fresh web rollcorresponds to the rough face of the expiring roll which comprises amill stand adapted to rotatably support the fresH web roll and theexpiring roll in mutually opposed positions, means for rotating saidfresh web roll and expiring roll, respectively, intermediate rollermeans suspended above said mill stand, and above said rolls, means forswinging said intermediate roller means towards and away from the freshweb roll, web pushing roller means suspended above said mill stand andabove said rolls, means for swinging said pushing roller means towardsand away from the running web being drawn from the expiring roll, saidpushing roller means being thereby adapted to engage the running web andpush said web into engagement with the intermediate roller which is inclose proximity with the fresh web roll and also to push saidintermediate roll into contact with the fresh web roll, means forinitiating the rotation of the fresh web roll prior to its contact withthe intermediate roll, and splicing the leading end of the fresh webroll with the running web of the expiring roll by bringing said leadingend and running web together between said intermediate roller means andpushing roller means.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the meansfor rotating the fresh web roll and the expiring roll comprises conveyorbelts containing driving means, said conveyor belts being associatedwith means for bringing them into engaging and disengaging relationshipwith the surface of the fresh web roll and the surface of the expiringroll.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein cutting means are supportedin the mill stand for cutting the web running from the expiring rollafter the splicing operation has been achieved.